Picture: The Chairperson of the Committee, Nathan Oliphant
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 February 2026- The North West Provincial Legislature’s (NWPL) Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations of interference against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi by the Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Clifton J Groep, has concluded the second round of its public hearings held at Sun City from 26 to 31 January 2026. The Ad Hoc Committee commenced its work in November 2025, during which it held the first round of hearings from 24 to 27 November 2025, and heard testimony from a number of witnesses as part of the initial phase of its mandate.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Nathan Oliphant said following the extension of the committee’s mandate by the Legislature until 31 March 2026, the committee resumed its work for the second round of hearings. Oliphant said during the second round of hearings this week, the Ad Hoc Committee heard testimony from Thabo Appolus, former Director: Corporate Services at the Naledi Local Municipality, Modisenyane Thompson Segapo, former Municipal Manager of the Naledi Local Municipality, Aobakwe Mathonsi, a member of the ANC’s Regional Executive Committee in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region and Special Advisor to the Executive Mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
“This includes Doreen Mariri, a Community Liaison Officer at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and Dithole Hendrick Moate, Director: Capacity Building at the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).
“North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, appeared before the Ad Hoc Committee on Saturday and concluded his testimony for the current round of hearings, with Adv Pule Seleka SC leading evidence on behalf of the Committee,” he said.
Oliphant further said Mokgosi will, however, continue to engage with the Ad Hoc Committee on 13 February 2026 and 14 February 2026, as part of the continuation of the Committee’s proceedings. He added that the committee remains committed to executing its mandate independently, impartially and without fear or favour.
“The committee’s work is guided by the principles of fairness, transparency and natural justice, and that it will consider all evidence placed before it objectively, without prejudging any party or outcome.
“We will in due course, advise on the next phases of the committee’s work, in line with the committee’s mandate and the Standing Rules of the North West Provincial Legislature. Further communication regarding the continuation of the hearings and related arrangements will be issued in due course,” said Oliphant.
The Guardian 